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Resident urges joint forum on city‑county law enforcement facility after ballot measure; council acknowledges outreach gaps
Summary
During public comment a resident asked the city and county to hold a public forum addressing whether a consolidated law enforcement facility is possible; the mayor said the city had held two open houses and posted information online but agreed there is an information gap and that additional outreach will be considered.
A Rexburg resident used the city’s public comment period to press elected officials for more public engagement following a recent ballot measure on a new law enforcement facility.
The resident said they voted "no" not because they opposed a new facility but because they believed there had been insufficient information available for voters. "I voted no because of that. Not because of my opposition to the facility, but my opposition to the lack of information...," the commenter said, urging a public forum that would include city and county leaders and law enforcement to explain alternatives, joint‑facility options and the potential role of a single elected official in providing services.
Mayor Jerry Merrill and council members replied that staff had held two open houses, posted material on Facebook and the city website and tried multiple outreach methods but acknowledged some residents remained unaware. "We tried to get a lot of that information out... We had 2 open houses... and we put stuff on Facebook and Instagram and our website," the mayor said, while also agreeing staff should try additional channels such as short informational videos and more in‑person forums.
Council members asked residents for ideas on reaching shut‑ins and others who don't access the website. They said staff will consider expanding outreach and possibly holding a joint public forum with county leaders and law enforcement to answer questions publicly.
No formal council action was taken on the request at this meeting; the comment and staff response were entered into the public record and the mayor and council said they would consider follow‑up engagement.
